Maharaj, 28, will be available for selection for the club’s last four County Championship games. Lancashire currently sit at the bottom of the Division One table with three points from 10 games.

“I’m thrilled to be signing for Lancashire for the remainder of the season. Having previously played in England with South Africa, it’s been an ambition of mine to return and play county cricket,” said Maharaj, who has taken 90 wickets from 22 Tests. “I’m very much looking forward to joining up with the squad and hopefully I can make a significant contribution to help the team during my time here.”

Glen Chapple, Lanchashire’s head coach and a former England cricketer, said of Maharaj’s signing: “We’re really pleased that Keshav has joined the Club. He’s a world class spinner and will strengthen our bowling attack for the final four Championship games. He is an international bowler with experience of bowling in English conditions and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to Emirates Old Trafford.”

Lancashire next player Worcestershire at Southport and Birkdale Cricket Club, before away games against Somerset, Yorkshire and Hampshire.

During the tour of Sri Lanka recently, Maharaj claimed 9/129 in an innings of a Test in Colombo – the best figures by a visiting bowler in the country and the second-best figures for South Africa. In England last summer, he claimed 17 wickets in four Tests including six in victory at Trent Bridge.

Editorial team of CricketCountry.

First Published on August 28, 2018 2:53 PM ISTLast updated on August 28, 2018 2:53 PM IST